A Crafters Guide: Holiday Centerpiece

Hello Paris Market Readers!

My name is Jessica. I am a Paris Market shop gal, vintage fanatic, and how to guru. I have flown over from my blog Strawberry Moth to bring you a series of weekly projects to jump start your handmade heart and spread the holiday spirit.

The holidays are an extra special time for me and my family. I love to decorate my home and create Christmas crafts to add something special to my festive decor. One of my favorite projects is to plan out my table and create a memorable centerpiece. This year I will be creating my very own table tree using my collection of vintage jewelry and antique beads to add a sense of old to the new year to come. This is a great craft to share with friends and little ones, so pull out your jewelry junk drawer and join me on making this unique centerpiece.

 

Step One

Gather your supplies!

Supplies Needed:

Floral Styrofoam Cone (found at most craft stores)

Glue Gun

Straight Pins

Tube of Acrylic Paint

Paint Brush

Craft Glue

Beads

Vintage Jewelry (Grab bags available at Paris Market)

Any other buttons, gems, or pieces that inspire

I love incorporating vintage pieces into any project! Try using some family hand me downs to add a touch of sentiment to your centerpiece.

Step Two
Using your craft paint, coat your floral cone from top to bottom (I chose white to give my vintage jewelry a pop).

Let your cone completely dry. Use this down time to enjoy a hot cup of cocoa.

Step Three
Once the paint is dry, begin adding your vintage pieces. I chose to use a collage of antique brooches and earrings. If you are using special family items, try just pushing the pin back into the cone avoiding any glue. This way you can preserve your treasures and take them off later.

 

Try mismatching textures and tones! Or for an extra crafty look, try using vintage buttons!

Step Four

Add some strands of faux pearls or old necklaces to create the shape of garlands. It is a fun way to use up any broken bits you have lying around and will create some depth and detail in your centerpiece.

A glue gun can help string this step along quickly, but for more precious strands that you want to keep in tact try using straight pins to tack down your treasures.

Step Five

To fill in the spaces between your vintage jewelry, try using an assortment of beads as your filler. I chose to use this collection of different sized faux pearls. They make a great contrast to the colors I have chosen for my centerpiece and the different sizes make it possible for me to create various patterns.

I used simple straight pins to attach my beads to my centerpiece. This allows me to move the pearls if needed and also keeps my fingers safe from the hot glue gun. If you're doing this project with you're little one, straight pins are a great way to attach all the pieces and avoid any sticky situations.

I just love all the different textures together!

Step Six

No tree is complete without a star! Once you have finished attaching your pieces you will want to craft a top to your centerpiece. I chose to make my own using a wooden star (craft store find) and some sparkle. When choosing what to use as your topper, try an over sized star burst brooch or your family initial. Whatever you choose it will bring that extra something special to your Christmas creation!

 

Now step back and admire your craftiness!

We used a palette of silver, whites, and greens to decorate our holiday table. The use of textures and light catching surfaces will give your guests an extra dose of Christmas cheer!

Tune in next Wednesday for another handmade how to, and be sure to come visit me on my blog for more vintage and project love! Happy Crafting!

xo, Jessica